in positive thoughts. Islam teaches us to purify one’s inner being with good thoughts just like a person purifies his body by washing it with water. When a man cleans his interior, he naturally wants his

clean. Cleanliness will then become an integral part of his nature.THE MIDDLE PATHThe Prophet of Islam said that the middle path is the best. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith, No. 3560) In today’s world, man

12. The Role of a Muqri (Reciter)The Prophet of Islam received his first revelation in 610 AD. The first word of this revelation was iqra’, that is, read or recite. However, following this divine command

recited the revealed portion of the Quran to them. We find in different traditions that ‘he presented Islam to them by reciting the Quran.’ The Companions of the Prophet also adopted this principle. Virtually

they should still behave respectfully and honourably. Non-Confrontation The Quran sums up the Islamic method in the following words: “Then if they should be inclined to make peace, make peace with them

in God. Surely, it is He who is All Hearing and All Knowing.” (8:61-62) This shows that the true Islamic method is to pursue our aims peacefully. Even when there is a fear that our

Rational investigation in the modern age is based on empirical realities that are very useful for Islam based on firmly established truths. The findings of modern science were a confirmation of this prediction

order that shariah commands may be in consonance with the changing circumstances. This principle of Islamic jurisprudence relates not only to civic matters, but also certainly to the waging of war. This principle

unIslamic. In these modern times non-violent conduct is the best option. According to the Islamic shariah, peace is the rule in matters of jihad, while war is the least desirable option.

orientalist in these words: “The religion of Muslims has conquered where their arms had failed.” 6. Islamic history took a crucial turn when, in the years succeeding the pious caliphate, rot had set in, in

jurists, ulama, sufis and other great All the precious books and the classical literature of Islam are a result of the peaceful activities during the time of the tabiun and their succeeding generations

once again. The biographers of the Prophet of Islam have put the number of ghazwa (battle) at more than 80. This gives the impression that the Prophet of Islam in his 23-year prophetic career waged about

four battles in a year. But this impression is entirely baseless. The truth is that the Prophet of Islam in his entire prophetic life, engaged in war only on three occasions. All the other incidents described

principle of non-violence throughout his 23-year prophetic career, except for one and a half days. The Islamic method, being based totally on the principle of non-violence, it is unlawful for believers to initiate

circumstance gives permission for violence. The Modern Age and Non-Violence The greatest problem facing Islam today is, as I see it that Muslims have almost totally forgotten the sunnah (Prophet’s way) of non-violence

a prey to negative reaction on a colossal scale; they have failed to remember that the policy of Islam is not that of violence but of non-violence. It is the

themselves from any of their deeds, which were not carried out in the true spirit of Islam. Along with our assertion that Islam is the religion of truth, we must also concede the Muslims are quite a different

Muslims in general should now refuse—be they kings or commoners— to have anything to do with the un-Islamic acts of their forebears.MARCH 4 Fasting and QuranThe Quran makes special mention of its revelation

has an inner urge to love God’s servants. Respect for humankind is one of the basic teachings of Islam. Anyone, be he of one’s own religion or of any other religious tradition, whether he belongs to one

friendly group or an enemy group, in all cases is worthy of respect. According to the teachings of Islam human beings are to be respected, despite their differences. Even where antagonism is displayed, we

adopt the way of avoidance of conflict and continue to show respectful behaviour. In the eyes of Islam all human beings are equal and deserve our respect.